SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. and HERNDON, Va., July 10, 2012 /PRNewswire/ — General Dynamics C4 Systems and EADS North America have joined forces to deliver cost-effective border protection and security systems that leverage the command, control and communications expertise of General Dynamics and the proven border security solutions and industry leading radar and sensor capabilities of EADS. The combined expertise from both companies represents a perfect match for border protection and security systems including the Integrated Fixed Tower (IFT) program currently under evaluation by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

“EADS is a proven global leader in the development and delivery of integrated border security systems that today are protecting nations in some of the most challenging parts of the world,” said Sean O’Keefe, chairman and chief executive officer of EADS North America. “Along with our partners at General Dynamics, our SPEXER™ radar and detection systems integration experience will help provide a proven, reliable and cost-effective solution for customers like the Department of Homeland Security.”

“This long-term partnership between General Dynamics and EADS will deliver a system that is based on operationally proven capabilities that will become an effective force multiplier for the U.S. Border Patrol. In addition to greater situational awareness overall, border patrol agents will also have the critical tools needed to rapidly detect, identify and respond to potential threats at the nation’s borders,” said Chris Marzilli, president of General Dynamics C4 Systems.

“As the General Dynamics-built Rescue 21 system has delivered life-saving capabilities to the U.S. Coast Guard through its network of integrated towers and command systems, I believe the General Dynamics-EADS team is poised to deliver the best, most cost-effective border security solution for the men and women of the U.S. Border Patrol who are responsible for keeping the nation’s borders secure and its citizens safe,” Marzilli said.

Cassidian, an EADS company, is a worldwide leader in global security solutions and systems, providing systems integration and value-added products and services to civil and military customers around the globe. Cassidian’s proven, modular and open command-and-control software has successfully provided multi-layered command, control and coordination of EO/IR, radar, mobile surveillance systems, unattended ground sensors and non-organic intelligence into an integrated common operating picture for the effective defense of national borders. The software can accommodate a wide range of cameras and radars to suit the needs of the mission and the environment in which it operates. Cassidian has installed more than 1,000 sensors on its border surveillance towers, and has demonstrated the ability to upgrade them quickly with minimal software adjustments. The company has trained more than 10,000 agents to operate its intuitive user interface.

The General Dynamics-built Rescue 21 system is the U.S. Coast Guard’s tower-based command and control system for maritime search and rescue operations. Rescue 21 comprises 245 towers and associated command centers that monitor more than 41,800 miles of shoreline that include the Great Lakes, Hawaii, Guam and Puerto Rico. In collaboration with Arizona State University, General Dynamics also maintains a desert test range that demonstrates various tower-based, border security capabilities that include border patrol agents working in realistic scenarios to fine-tune these critical national security systems and capabilities.

The General Dynamics and EADS team also plan to work together to implement cost-effective systems and capabilities in response to other border security programs throughout the Department of Homeland Security. Information about border security solutions by General Dynamics is available at www.gdc4s.com/bordersecurity.

General Dynamics C4 Systems is a business unit of General Dynamics (NYSE: GD). More information about General Dynamics is available online at www.gd.com.

EADS North America is the U.S.-based operation of EADS, a global leader in aerospace, defense and related services. EADS contributes more than $12 billion to the U.S. economy annually and supports over 220,000 American jobs through its network of suppliers. EADS North America, headquartered in Herndon, Va., offers a broad array of advanced solutions to meet U.S. military and commercial requirements, including fixed- and rotary-wing aircraft, homeland security systems, public safety communications, defense electronics and avionics and threat detection systems. www.eadsnorthamerica.com

Cassidian, an EADS company, is a worldwide leader in global security solutions and systems, providing lead systems integration and value-added products and services to civil and military customers around the globe.

SOURCE General Dynamics C4 Systems; EADS North America